Dave Clark Realty to close

David Clark announced he is closing Dave Clark Realty Dec. 31.

The 75-year-old said it has been a long ride since his real estate career began in 1976.

"I have enjoyed the business when it was right side up," he wrote. "But today all I need is a fishing license. Then I will know what I am doing everyday."

Aging staff members pass exam

The Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho announced that three staff members passed an international certification examination for their profession.

Betsy Bullard, Nancy Mitchell and Barbara Bisaro recently received "Certified Information & Referral Specialist for Aging Certification" from the Alliance of Information & Referral Systems

"AIRS certification demonstrates our Agency's ongoing commitment to ensuring quality assurance and excellent customer service," according to a press release.

McLean graduates from FBI

Post Falls Police Capt. Greg McLean recently graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., after 10 weeks of training.

Classes are held on law, behavioral science, forensic science, understanding terrorism/terrorist mindsets, leadership development, communication and health/fitness.

During the training, McLean also completed the optional "Yellow Brick Road" fitness challenge.

The challenge consists of a difficult 6.1-mile run in which participants must climb over walls, run through creeks, jump through simulated windows, scale rock faces with ropes, crawl under barbed wire in muddy water and maneuver across a cargo net.

Keen new Cd'A Tribe PR director

Heather Keen is the new public relations director for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe.

"We are excited to have Heather join our team," said Chairman Chief Allan. "Her diverse experience in strategic communications, media relations, politics and business will make her a unique and valuable asset to the Coeur d'Alene Tribe."

Keen has mostly recently served as the Director of Programs and Community Outreach for the Human Rights Education Institute in Coeur d'Alene. She previously worked for the Spokane office of Gallatin Public Affairs and spent several years in Washington, D.C., as a Legislative Assistant to former U.S. Rep. Joel Hefley (Colorado). Originally from Colorado, Keen has a B.A. in political science from Colorado State University and a Master in Business Administration degree from the University of Idaho.

Area food banks receive grants

Four Kootenai County food banks are the recipients of grants as part of Avista's year-end donation program. A total of $25,010 is being donated to food banks in Idaho, Washington and Oregon by Avista and the Avista Foundation.

In Kootenai County the recipients are Post Falls Food Bank, Rathdrum Community Food Bank and Spirit Lake Food Bank.

Funding for these donations comes from foundation funds and company profits. It is not included as a cost to customers in developing retail rates.

Unemployment benefits in jeopardy

Extended unemployment benefits will end for 1,500 jobless Idaho workers on Jan. 7 and nearly 12,000 more will see benefits terminated over the next six months.

Congress has been unable to agree on a plan to continue extended benefits into 2012 as President Obama has proposed. Without a congressional agreement on the extensions, which have been in effect in some form for 3 1/2 years, none of the 17,000 Idaho workers currently receiving regular unemployment benefits will be eligible for extended, federally funded benefits if they exhaust their state benefits after Dec. 24.

About 45 percent of all unemployment claimants are exhausting their regular state benefits of 10 to 26 weeks without finding work. The exhaustion rate was 53 percent a year ago when the state unemployment rate stood at a record 9.7 percent. It dropped to 8.5 percent this November.

If you have a new, relocated or expanded business, or announcement of events, promotions or awards, The Press wants to let our readers know. The service is free and items run Tuesday through Saturday. To get the word on the street on your movers and shakers, call city editor Bill Buley at 664-8176 Ext. 2016 or e-mail bbuley@cdapress.com.